When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. OurPrivacy Noticeexplains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

So instead of us telling you our favourite places to dine in the city, we asked you to nominate your favourite businesses, restaurants, cafes, chefs and bars in a number of categories before the winners were decided by a panel of independent expert judges.

Food and drink hero - Ben Aveling from Radmore Farm Shop

This award pays tribute to someone who’s genuinely outstanding in their food or drink field. They were looking for a person or establishment who goes above and beyond to deliver excellence and also flies the flag for the local food community.

Paul Bowes owner of Bacchanalia said: “It has been an honour to judge this years ‘Food and Drink Hero. While the two runners up have to be hugely commended for their superb work in their field, for me there can only be one winner.

In and around Cambridge

“I have known this person for a long time. On first meeting I could see a kindred spirit. His passion for what he does plus his huge work ethic, is nothing short of heroic.

“From his early forays into retail in 2006 with a farm shop to developing his butchery skills, and to creating a thriving online presence, he has done so with huge passion for not only his products and his customers, but also his staff.

“Very ably supported by his wife Vicky, it is my privilege to call this man my friend, but now also the 2018 Food and Drink Hero.”

Radmore Farm Shop (Image: David Johnson)

What the winner said: "When your ideas and ethics turn into a business, it’s easy to forget the real reasons you decided to do what you do. I never forget.

"This is something I have always considered every day and aim to champion. I aim and strive to be a hero in my field and to make a difference.

With business being such a tough feat, often a struggle against the tide, it is humbling to be recognised for your efforts."

Tearoom/Coffee shop of the Year – Stir

Stir has been crowned Café of the Year. (Image: David Johnson Photographic)

The number of tearooms and coffee shops popping up in and around Cambridgeshire is growing fast as our appetite for brews and cakes seems to be insatiable. The judges were looking for an establishment which invites you to pull up a chair, sit back and relax – while serving up only the very best food and drink.

Freelance chef and writer Rosie Sykes, said: “I was very impressed with the sense that they are part of the community, that they make everyone feel welcome and there was a real mix of people there, the atmosphere was very conducive to enjoying ones experience.

Stir Café is a great brunch spot

“Their coffee is good and their food offer has plenty of variety including for those who have allergies and food intolerances. “

What the winner said: “We are so shocked and humbled to have won this award three years in a row. It’s a real vote of confidence, from the people that matter- our customers.”

Runners up: Carriages Tea Room, Espresso Library.

Street food/Pop Up of the Year – The Mac Daddy

Collected on behalf of the Street food/pop up of the year - The Mac Daddy. (Image: David Johnson Photographic)

Cambridge has become a real hub for this brand of foodie enterprise: from classics like burgers, crepes, and ice cream to vegan, raw, middle and far eastern treats. The frenetic pace of life means there is more and more demand for on-the-doorstep street food and impromptu pop-ups.

Gerla de Boer, founder of the Cambridge food tour said: “The Presentation was Excellent – 10/10. The Flavours were very tasty indeed. They use Oumph and vegan cheese for the vegan version. Oumph is a new product and extremely good.

“He offers something different and there is no competition in Cambridge. Available 6 or 7 days per week on the local market as well.”

What the winner said: “I’m overjoyed to have won this award. It wouldn’t have been possible without my partner Toria, who has been incredible. It’s not just about Mac and Cheese, it’s about providing people with delicious, good quality food.”

Runners up: Kura Kura, The Wandering Yak.

Pub/Bar of the Year – De Luca Piano Bar, Cambridge

Pub/bar of the year - Piano Bar, De Luca. (Image: David Johnson Photographic)

This category spans every kind of watering hole – from country pubs, all real ales and roaring fires, to city centre bars, with their master mixologists and trendy interiors.

MasterChef finalist, Alex Rushmer said: “The staff were welcoming and engaging, the cocktail list was original and fun and the space was wonderfully intimate.

“It's a real surprise to find something so original tucked away off a busy street and it wholly deserves the buzz that it has generated over the last few months.

De Luca piano bar has been voted the best bar in Cambridge

“The sheer talent on display on the piano is evident too - I can't wait to go back and introduce new people to the experience.”

What the winner said: “There is a really amazing cocktail scene in Cambridge, so winning this is especially brilliant. It feels like we are being awarded for trying something different. We can’t thank our loyal customers enough- who without this wouldn’t be possible.”

Runners up: La Raza, The Waterman

Takeaway of the Year – Taj Tandoori

Takeaway of the year - Taj Tandoori. (Image: David Johnson Photographic)

We all know night-nothing beats a tasty takeaway but sometimes they don’t get the best press. Our judges were looking for a takeaway that has its own distinctive style, never skimps on quality, and uses quality ingredients.

Restaurants in Cambridge

Best Newcomer – Tabanco

This category is open to anyone who works in the food and drink sector, from baristas, mixologists and sommeliers to bread bakers, cake makers and chefs, as well as new and upcoming establishments.

We were looking for someone whose professional stock is rising: whether they’ve just started out or been plugging away for years and only now had a breakthrough, they put both passion and pride into their work.

Your very own slice of Spain in Cambridge.

Great British Bake Off finalist, Ian Cumming said: “We had a wonderful selection of well cooked dishes and a quick look at the next door table made me want to go back for whatever they were eating.

“But what clinched it for me was the wonderful ‘Bacon from Heaven’ dessert. An intriguing name for a pudding with an intriguing story behind it. After 3 really good meals I am going to give the award to Tabanco. “

What the winner said: "To be recognised in this way, by expert judges, is a huge honour indeed.”

Restaurant of the Year – Restaurant 22

Restaurant of the Year - Restaurant 22. (Image: David Johnson Photographic)

Not so many years ago dining out in our area presented just two options: either you splashed out on a few and far between top flight restaurants, or plumped for a common on garden high street chain. Well, that’s all changed now. These days we are thoroughly spoilt for choice. Spanning gastro pubs right through to Michelin starred restaurants.

MasterChef finalist Giovanna Ryan said: “From beginning to end our meal was aesthetically delightful, full of flavour and texture and exceptional value for money.

“The staff are knowledgeable, friendly and extremely professional and the whole experience was a complete joy.

Restaurant 22

“The ever-changing menu is thoughtful, exciting and a wonderful showcase of seasonal produce. I hope that they continue to get the recognition they deserve and that they remain in Cambridge for a very long time. “

What the winner said: “We are overjoyed, we have only been open for five months and we have flown from strength to strength. We have an amazing team, who work their socks off. It’s been mad, a mad whirlwind and it’s been great. We’re over the moon to have won.”

Runners up: The Olive Grove, La Margherita

Chef of the Year – Sean Melville, Bedford Lodge Hotel and Spa

Collected on behalf of the Chef of the Year - Sean Melville. (Image: David Johnson Photographic)

The reputation of any eatery rests, in large part, on the shoulders of the head chef. Our judges were looking for someone for whom cooking is more than just a job: it’s their life-someone who always goes the extra mile in the kitchen, creating dishes which showcase their skill, whether they’re making a traditional roast or pushing the culinary boundaries.

Food scientist and consultant, Sue Bailey said: “It was a real pleasure to be asked to be a judge for this award and consider who should win the top chef award. I was looking for creativity, taste, presentation, quality of food and use of ingredients, with a dash of inspiration.

Sean Melville, Bedford Lodge Hotel and Spa

“This proved a very challenging task as all the chefs for their restaurants provided well- thought out dishes and balanced menu choices to suit their customers’ expectations. But when it came to taste, presentation, seasonality and excellent use of local ingredients the award has to go to this chef.

“He is deserving of an award as recognition of the flair and technical skill that is used to create a wide range of menu options. The dinner dishes are edible art on a plate.”

What the winner said: "Being able to experiment with creative ideas like this in order to provide an innovative dining experience and seeing my team feel inspired to do the same, is what makes my work so rewarding. It feels really special that this hard work has been recognised - thanks to all who voted!"